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balarila

balaríla with stress marks

grammar

noun ba-la-RI-la Native origin Rare

Usage Note

Balarila is the native Filipino term for grammar, used specifically in Filipino and Tagalog language study. Lope K. Santos's foundational guide Balarila ng Wikang Pambansa gave the word its authoritative status in Philippine language education.

Examples

Beginner

" Mahirap ang balarila. "

Natural Translation

Grammar is hard.

Literal Translation

Hard the grammar.

Intermediate

" Pinag-aralan namin ang balarila ng Filipino sa paaralan. "

Natural Translation

We studied Filipino grammar at school.

Literal Translation

Studied we of-the grammar of-the Filipino in school.

Advanced

" Kahit magaling siyang magsalita, nahihirapan pa rin siya sa balarila kapag kailangan na niyang sumulat ng pormal na sanaysay. "

Natural Translation

Even though he speaks well, he still struggles with grammar when he has to write a formal essay.

Literal Translation

Even good he to-speak, struggling still also he in grammar when need already he to-write of formal essay.

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